ES7<T 



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Tl?e V/oc;aI Star. 



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ihe \f)o©al §tap, 



Addie C. S.'Engle. 



/I 




INDIANAPOLIS: 

r.l.K & BROTHER, MASONIC : 

BOOK AND [OB I'Rl \ I i- iis. 
189O. 






TO HER SISTER 
PAST GRAND MATRONS OF EVERY JURISDICTION, 

THE VOCAL STAR 

IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED, 

BY THE 

AUTHOR. 



Copyrighted 1890, bj Mrs. Addie ('. S. Engle. 



Introductory. 



In the inception of the Order of the Eastern Star 
some imagery was used in its ritualistic work which 
has not been retained in the present initiatory cere- 
mony. Those who remember the well loved symbol- 
ism, and regret its omission, will welcome this attempt 
to preserve some of it from oblivion, and the author 
cheerfully acknowledges her indebtedness to the 
old Mosaic Work; to the Ritual of Adoptive Masonry 
as formerly used in Michigan; to the Connecticut 
Addenda: and to the lately discarded Ritual of the 
General Grand Chapter, whose explanation of the 
resemblance between the language of the emblematic 
flowers, and the heroines they represent, had been 
too carefully made to be entirely lost. The balance 
-is original with her who. being earnestly engaged in 
tbe work when these various figures were used, has 
treasured them in hei heart through many changes, 
and with a simple arrangement of her own, now offers 
them for the enjoyment of others. 

Addie C. S. Engle. 



The Vocal Star. 



[Instrumental Solo.] 
W. M. — The loyal ones of our Order will not weary 
of any of its teachings. The light of the Eastern 
Star is as clear to-day as it was eighteen centuries 
ago; and the same star which led the wise men to the 
manger cradle still speaks to us of the wondrous Life 
then in Its earthly infancy. There is danger, how- 
ever, of members of the Order losing sight of its 
primary symbolism, not even reflecting that it should 
be as Christian in its teachings as the Knight Templar 
degree. Failing this, where is the significance of its 
very name, and what meaning has the first query of 
examination: *******.*? w ith its significant 
reply : ****•**********_ 

We purpose, this evening, to give a voice to our 
Emblematic Star that it may impart new beauties to 
the old, old story. Sister Associate Matron, in the 
utterance of the Vocal Star, who shall represent it? 

A. M. — There are ten who shall give fitting expres- 
sion to the lessons of the hour. Sister Secretary, 
what record has our Star? 

.SVr't'. — It is written that the morning stars sang to- 
gether at creation's birth, and we can easily believe 
that one of those who so rejoiced over the coming 
into being of this lovely world of ours may also have 
(5) 



been permitted to lead the way to His dwelling Who 
came to redeem that world. The resemblance between 
His eventful and blessed life and the five great events 
the five rajs of our Star immortalize, is too vivid to 
be lost. It is recorded that He resigned His life to 
fulfill His Father's oath that the soul that sinneth it 
shall die. What was the sacrifice of Jephthah's 
daughter but a type of the greater sacrifice of Calvary? 
We read that He left His princely mansion in heaven, 
the angelic host, and His seat of power to dwell in an 
humble place on earth, and may not the humility of 
the widow of Moab, who was, humanly considered, His 
great ancestor, have been a faint type of His renuncia- 
tion of home and friends? It is written that He offered 
Himself a victim to save the race from an impending 
and eternal death. The record of our Star will give the 
story of her who in her royal dignity was another 
type of the greater Offering for an imperilled world. 
It is written that in the garden, when the cup, (whose 
bitterness no human heart can ever measure,) was 
held to the quivering lips, it was tasted with unswerving 
faith, and our Star records Martha's supreme trust, in 
her: " I know that lie shall rise again. 1 ' And, finally, 
it is written that Christ sacrificed all things, fame, 
wealth, power, friends and life itself in testimony of 
the gospel He came to establish. The record of 
our Star will give Electa's martyrdom and death as 
convincing proof of the sustaining power of God. 
As Secretary, I bear witness to the grand truths, 
speaking in mystic guise, from every portion of out- 
Star. 

A. A/. — Sister Treasurer, what treasures of art, song 
or story has our Star? 

Treas. — We have five wonderful paintings, 
(6) 



So often is their story told, 

They stand like pictures framed in gold. 

It needs no pen, nor limner's art, 

To trace them deeply in the heart, 

For stretched on Fancy's brightest wall 

We see them now — they come at call. 

A maiden stands with brow serene, 
Though soon will close life's earthly scene; 
Behind Judea's mountains loom. 
While at her feet the violets bloom ; 
The azure dome bends o'er the whole, 
Fit emblem of her own true soul. 
Xo vail obscures that undimned eye, 
But dauntless, firm, she comes to die. 

A simple past'ral sketch, a harvest field, 

Familiar to our eyes from earliest years; 

With one who stands, homesick, fatigued, forlorn ; 

Within her hands, the tiny fruits of toil, 

And in her heart, the widow's lonely wail. 

But God who marked her selfdenying vow 

To childless, lone Naomi, watches yet, 

And soon her heart shall sing for joy. So we 

Rejoice to count her lovely face within 

Our hall of storied paintings, jessamine ureal lied 

And circled round with golden fruitage bright 

We see her still— our faithful, constant Ruth. 

Third vision fair — A Persian throne, 
Its Queen beloved, vet all unknown 
She's of a captive exiled race, 
Whose very life, whose hour of grace 

Rests now upon her fealty. 
"I go unto the King," she saith, 
"Although to go he instant death! 
And if I perish,"— ()! the cry 
Of thai true heart! "I shall bul die!" 

All woman in her loyalty. 
We read the story in her face, 
"Tender and true," its lines of grace. 
Full well we know thai steadfast mien, 
Ne'er lost the Jewess in the Queen, 

So we embalm her constancy. 

(7) 



That vision flies, and Martha's face- 
Is outlined in its destined place; 
We see again that lonely home, 
O'er shadowed by Death's sable plume; 
We share with her bereavement dread. 
For all earth's households mourn their dead . 
Yet sweetly came Christ's meaning plain: 
" Because I live, ye live again." 
He rose to make that faith secure, 
And thus we read this teaching pure; 
That though Death's angel comes to all 
And "one by one, each link must fall;" 
Yet faith can see our golden chain. 
Unite its severed links again. 

The last of our Ave pictures rare. 

Which Fancy's pen has traced in air, 

Is our Electa, whose brave faith 

Lent lustre to a martyr's death; 

She seems a type of those who stand 

To help earth's weak witli heart and hand, 

Forgetting self in deeds of love, 

Their sure reward— the life above. 

. I. .)/. — Sister Conductress and Associate Conduc- 
tress, you will please weave the labyrinth, to gather 
whatever aid it may have in making our Star vocal 
with instruction. 

(TheCond. and A C. to slow music, enter the labyrinth in the 
usual manner, pausing at Adah.) 

Adah. — What bringest thou? 

. I. C. — Only these, {showing empty hands,} 

Adah. — What hopesl thou? 

. I. C— Fidelity. 

Adah. — It is well. Pass, Fidelity, (giving bunch of 
blut violets to A. ('. and vail to Cond., who -sit// A. C. 
passes on to Ruth.) 

Cond. (seating A. C. in CondSs choir.) — Sister As- 
sociate Conductress, this is the chair I have vacated 
tor a time, that I might assist vour wandering steps 
(S) 



through our labyrinth. The Vocal Star teaches us 
to resign our comforts and ease, and even 'our honors, 
if by so doing we can benefit each other. Whenever 
vou are wearied on the journey of human life, may 
you find, as now, awaiting place to refresh you, and a 
loving, helping hand to guide you. Arise, let us 
pass on. 

Ruth.— What bringest thou? 

A. C. — Only this: Fidelity, {showing violets.) 

Ruth. — What hopest thou? 

A. C. — Constancy. 

Ruth.— It is well. Pass, Constancy, (giving yellow 
flower to A. C. and sheaf to Cond.) 

Esther. — What bringest thou? 

A. C. — Only these: Fidelity and Constancy, (show- 
ing /lowers.) 

Esther.— What hopest thou? 

A. C— Purity. 

Esther.— It is well. Pass, Purity, (giving white 
flower to A. C. and crown and sceptre to Co/id.) 

Martha. — What bringest thou? 

A. C. — Only these: Fidelity, Constancy and Purity, 
( showing flowers.) 

Martha. — What hopest thou? 

A. C— Faith. 

Martha. — It is well. Pass, Faith, (giving green 
sprig or fern to A. C. and broke// column to Coud. ) 

(When they arrive at A. C.'s vacant chair, Cond. uses wand in 
explanation of Si| net.) 

Cond. — Be seated. We are now very near the end 
of our labyrinth; so are we Hearing the vnd of human 
life. Above you is suspended the banner of our 
Order, the five pointed Signet, which also has its 
message to convey. Its explanation as detailed in our 
secret work need not be repeated here, but it has other 
(9) 



suggestions. From the Word of God the Christian 
learns that though a sword may pierce his own heart 
also, and the mercies of God seem vailed, vet behind 
a frowning Providence He hides a smiling face; that 
though a life be as unobtrusive as the Lily of the 
Valley, if it be as pure, and be fragrant with good 
deeds, he may hope in that day when the tares shall 
be separated from the wheat to be gathered into the 
heavenly garner; that if he follow the light of the 
Si'N' OF Righteouness, he may hope to win the crown 
of eternal life : that if he follow the meek submission 
of Him Who was led like a lamb to the slaughter, 
even the uncertainty of human life shall not daunt 
hi- faith : and finally, he may learn the rare perfection 
of that Christian character which combines the fra- 
grance of Sharon's Rose with the courage, the 
strength and the majesty of JubAH's Lion. When 
the infirmities of age shall admonish you of your 
speedy end. may you be sustained by the unfailing 
Strength of the grandest of all our types— the Liox 
OF the Tribe of Judah. Under this bannered mes- 
sage nun you then rest. May it be to you like the 
shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Arise, let us 

Electa. What bringest thou? 

A. ('. Only these: Fidelity, Constancy, Purity and 
Faith, {showing -flowers.) 

Electa. -What hopest thou? 

. I. ('. Charity. 

Electa. —It is well. Pass, Charity, {giving red flow- 
ers to A. C. and cup to Cond., zv/io pass to A. M.) 

A. M. What bringesl thou: 

A. ('. -Hopes many and bright, (^showing flowers,) 
a held of fragrance where the principles of our Order 
are typified in floral language. 
do) 



A. M. — It is well. May jour hopes be amply real- 
ized. Sisters, you will please take the fruitage of 
your united gleanings and present them to the Worthy 
Matron with appropriate explanation. 
(They puss to W. M.) 

W. M. — Sister Associate Conductress, will you 
explain the symbolism of the flowers as appropriate 
to the heroines from whom you gathered them? 

A. C. — The blue violet, in its retiring, shrinking 
nature, is appropriate to Jephthah's Daughter, the 
devoted maid of Mizpah. The yellow jessamine is an 
emblem of faithfulness, thus appropriate to Ruth, the 
true-hearted widow of Moab. The white lily is an 
emblem of majesty, and therefore appropriate to the 
noble-hearted Queen of Persia. The fern, an emblem 
of sinceritv, fitly symbolizes the faithful sister of Beth- 
anv. The red rose, an emblem of fervency, typifies 
Electa's zealous defense of truth. 

Allow me to present to you this cluster, gathered 
from the various points of our central Star, as through 
these emblematic flowers our Star is indeed vocal, 
uttering the same oft-repeated, but always impressive 
le>sons. 

W. M. (taking flowers.} — Flowers are ever expres- 
sive. The tiny child presents to its mother the leaf 
of clover, the half-withered daisy or buttercup as a 
token of its affection : the lover carefully selects the 
rose, the pansy, the forget-me-not, or the suggestive 
orange bud to reveal to the quick eyes of his heart's 
chosen the secret he dare not yet speak. We deck the 
festal hall and the sweet young bride with these fra- 
grant thought bearers, and we can find no more fitting- 
expression of the agony of our love when bereavement 
comes, than to cover the cold, white forms of our 
(II) 



loved ones, and their last resting places, with the silent 
yet eloquently speaking flowers. 

A. C. (retires to place and Cond. takes vail, saying".) 
Worthy Matron, my Sister Associate has spoken 
wisely, but the Star speaks also by emblems. 

The Vail should remind us of Adah's determination 
to die in the light, teaching us that no matter how 
flattering may be the honors and titles heaped upon 
us here, a day will come when no vail will shroud our 
soul from its Maker! We must, indeed, live stainless 
in His eyes, to bear the scrutiny of the Great Judge 
and Father of us all. 

The Sheaf, minute in its parts, yet strong in its 
entirety, teaches us that the day of small things is not 
to be despised: that even if we are to humbly glean, 
while others gaily reap, we are yet to do with all our 
might what our hands find to do, only hopeful of the 
result of our lifework at the final Harvest Home. 

The Crown and Sceptre serve to remind us how 
often, even in our Order, power and authority are 
abused, and that no insignia of royalty can bestow a 
kinglv nature, for that must be inborn. They also 
teach us that while some must rule li they also serve 
who only stand and wait/'' 

The Broken Column, one of the saddest of all 
emblems, fitly tells t lie old, touching story of blasted 
hopes, and of foreshortened life. 

The Cup reminds us to dispense of our temporal 
means to such as the Saviour said we have always with 
us. inasmuch as He bestowed His all, even life itself. 

Thus, through emblems and flowers, our Star is 
vocal with weighty thought and teaching. 
I Retires to place.) 

. I. M. — Worthy Matron, the Secretary, Treasurer, 
Conductress and Associate Conductress have voiced 
(12) 



the Star's teachings from its inner points. We should 
now hear from the bright rays which have scattered 
our lessons far and wide ever since we have been an 
organization. Sisters, you will please give voice to 
the symbolism of the live rays. 

(Five point officers rise.) 
Adah. — The blue, a symbol of fidelity, even unto 
death, speaks from the first ray of Adah, who resigned 
her life in fulfillment of the oath of her father, even 
as Christ, the Word of God, resigned His. 

(A. C. points with wand, to open Bible, on Signet.) 

Ruth.. — The color yellow, emblematic of gold, tried 
and purified, speaks from the second ray of Ruth, 
who forsook her native country, princely friends and 
a beloved home, even as Christ, the Lily of the 
Valley, forsook His. 

(A. C. points to lily of valley on Signet.) 
Esther. — White, emblem of the spotless robe of the 
Persian Queen, speaks from the third ray of Esther, 
who risked her crown and life itself to rescue her 
people from impending death, even as Christ the Sr\ 
of Righteousness offered His. 

(A. C. points to Sim on Signet.) 

Martha. — The color green, which is the hue of 
Spring, and covers every grave as with a mantle, 
speaks from the fourth ray of Martha of Bethany, 
who mourned the loss of friends, even as Christ, the 
Lamb of God, mourned His. 

(A. C. points to Lamb on Signet.) 

Electa.— The color red, which is the hue of blood 
and wine, speaks from the fifth ray of Electa, who 
resigned her life for a testimony to the Truth, even as 
Christ, the Liox of the Tribe of Judah, resigned 
His. 

(A. C. points to I. ion on Signet.) 
(13) 



W. M. — You have indeed voiced the Star, my sis- 
ters, when von thus give its very colors meaning and 
expression. From the earliest dawn of God's Revela- 
tion to man He has taught His gospel in colors; 
else why should the hlue seem to every educated soul 
a symbol of truth: the red warmly comforting like 
fervent love; the green symbolize life — life eternal 
and everlasting: and the white be only a synonym for 
purity and gladness? From the day when God set 
His bow, a glorious promise in color, in the skv until 
that hour when He revealed the foundation walls of 
the Heavenly city to the A'postle John, lie has often 
spoken to those who could see the types in colors. 
Therefore we welcome the Vocal Star when it thus 
speaks, for it can teach nothing more important than 
that our characters need the blue of serene truth, the 
yellow of tried-in-the-furnace gold, the green of a 
living faith, and, yes, perhaps, the crimson of intense 
suffering, before we can join the white robed throng 
upon the heavenly hills. Sister Associate Matron, 
will you present all that may remain of the symbolism 
of the Star, and give it fitting expression. 
(The A. M. passes around Star which she enters between Treas. 
and Esther, to wesl side of altar. 

.1. .1/. The five rays illustrate the names given the 



Saviour in 


prop 


hec\ 


ha. h officei 


will 1 





There fie w as se\ erall v 



styled 
as the 



as sp 






Adah.— The Word of God, 
Rnth. — The Lily of the Vallej 
Esther.— The Sun of Righteoi 
Martha.— The Lamb or v.od. 



Electa. 

.!. .)/. 
>ng pro 



he Tril 

tr also 


e of J 

-hows 


udah. 
us that 


in the 


ts whir 


1 con 


menced 


in the 


(14) 









Bethlehem stable, and culminated on the crown of 
Olivet, events which are summed up in Christ's 

Adah.— Birth, 

Ruth. — Life, 

Esther. — Death, 

Mart l/a. — Resurrection, 

Electa. — Ascension. 

A. M. — He was ever and always known as 

Adah.—ist W. of C. M. 

Ruth.— 2d IV. of C. M. 

Esther.— 3d W. of C. M. 

Martha.— 4th W. of C. M. 

Electa.— 5 th W. of C. M. 

A. M. — On the center of the Star stands that which 
speaks significantly of the Great Source of Light. The 
Star would disseminate no guiding brilliancy, there 
would be no rays shedding truth and love were there 
no Great Central Self-Illuminator as made known to 
us in God's word which always rests upon the altar 
where we pledge loyalty to each other and to Him. 
The center of the Star, therefore, is far more vocal 
than its outermost rays when once these silent moni- 
tors, {touching Bible and Altar.) are given voice. 

Worthy Matron, the Star has spoken by record, by 
treasure, by signet, by flowers, by emblems, by colors 
and by secret motto. In each and all it would only 
express the guiding principles of Him of Whom our 
mystic, five pointed Signet i> but an emblem, the 
Bright and Morning Star. 

U '. M . — My sisters, {the four others arise.) rna\ we SO 
listen to the Star, this evening made vocal to our ears 
and hearts, that it may become indeed a light unto 
our path, that, when tbe labyrinth of life is ended, we 
may find its Great Original beaming for us above the 

(15) 



pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, and be welcomed 
among those who are (C. Af.) 

(Culls up Chapter.) 

Chaplain . — 

Accept now, dear friends, as we part here to-night, 

Our wish ihat the bright Vocal Star 
May cheer you through life with its radiance bright ; 

And pierce every gloom from afar. 
The Star in the East with its lesson fraught ray, 

If taken at once for our Guide; 
Shall lighten each lab'rinth we meet on life's way, 

And comfort, whatever betide; 
Us five radiant beams earth's dim pathway shall gild, 

Its blue shall combine with its gold, 
Its red and its green with rich treasures be tilled, 

All teaching the same gospel old; 
And when their rich lessons, our spirits shall con. 

We then learn this truth (strangely odd); 
That all of the colors our souls must put on, 



T( 



(.< 



A 



Ten our wishes for happiness blest, 

As "forth in the world," we all go J 
"Not knowing what trials," but leaving the resl 

With Him who "upholds" as we go. 
God granl that we meet, where our Star shall awail. 

When earth robe and staff are laid down. 
And pass through the entrance of that pearly gate, 

Where cross is exchanged for the crown. 



RECITATIONS, P mfiELSLSX*** 




We have on hand and in _ _.-■ •••mmimiin\iuii\iw\iii 'j 

Recitations and Readings, rrJU*?Z 272 077 
for use at Chapter Entertainments, hoth puhlic and 
private. 

No. i. The Eastern Star, Free. 

No. 2. Picture Sketches, Poem and Tableaux, - - ioc. 

No. 3. Jephthah's Vow — Dramatic,- - - - - 25c. 

No. 4. The Relationship Existing between Masonry and 

the Order of the Eastern Star,— Reading, - ioc. 
No. 5. Queen Flora's Reign, ------ 15c. 



MEMORIAL SERVICE. -Chapter of Sorrow.— 
16 pages. Widely vised and highly commended. 
Recommended for use by the General Grand Chapter. 
Can be rendered publicly or privately. Single copy 
20 cents; six copies, 60 cents; twelve copies, $1.00. 



THE VOCAL STAR.— 16 pages, a beautiful cere- 
monial, illustrating many of the neglected symbol- 
isms of our ritual. Enlists in the rendering most of 
the officers. Single copy, J^cents; twelve copies, 
$1/50. 

For the above and all Eastkrn Star Supplies, 
Address, 

REV. WILLIS D, ENGLE, 

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. 



